Asked on Aug 13, 2015
How can I grow annual flowers with very little sunshine?
by
Mona
+19
I live in a semi-basement apartment and sun shines only mid-afternoon. I would love to have flowers or climbing vines. How can I do this?
17 answers
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depends where you are - Canada is a huge country with very different climates
Adventures In Junking
on Aug 13, 2015
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There are many shade annuals available to plant.Im not familiar with what would be available in canada however go to your local nursery and check plant lables. If there aren't any speak to a knowable associate.
Janet Pizaro
on Aug 13, 2015
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Wherever you buy plants will most likely have advice available for free. If not consult the Internet for shade annuals for your growing zone.
Sue c.
on Aug 13, 2015
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Impatiens and begonias both do well in shade, and both are beautiful blooming plants. Caladiums are something else that have color and thrive in shade.
Lana
on Aug 13, 2015
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Hostas require dormancy and are Perennials as well as outdoor plants. You asked about annuals, right? You still have not said what zone you are. You also have not said if these plants are for outdoors or indoors. These are important facts not only to pick plants but to have them grow and thrive in whatever environment you actually plan to have them in. Have you checked to find your planting zone? Are you going to buy plants from a greenhouse, big box store? If you want indoor plants don't go with annuals go with Houseplants. They are developed to grow indoors with limited lighting, heat and humidity.
Sue c.
on Aug 13, 2015
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Mirrors add mirrors to the area that gets the sun it works
Debbie McGarrity
on Aug 14, 2015
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Coleus, ivy,........bulbs like blue bell, Lilly of the valley.......love the mirror idea above!
Liz
on Aug 14, 2015
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Coleus, Begonias and I think Impatiens will do well without a lot of sun. These are all annuals.Good luck!
Time With Thea
on Aug 14, 2015
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I live in apt. that only has North light earl y morning...thank you for your help Susan Clark
Mary Wise
on Aug 14, 2015
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I understand that your question is How to grow plants in a dark environment right? Well Home Depot has special lights(bulbs) to grow plants inside check with them Hope that helps. Good luck!!!
Lis
on Aug 14, 2015
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I agree with Thea...impatiens actually hate full sun, so your afternoon sun should be perfect for them. The colors are beautiful and they mound up really nicely. Good luck.
Sherry Yeatts
on Aug 14, 2015
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Caladiums are a bulb that does well in shade and is also used as an indoor plant. The plant is grown for its leaves, and they come in different colors-white, white and green, pink, rose, red, etc.
Laura Anne Welch
on Aug 14, 2015
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All of the suggestions are great. I would also try tuberous begonias (very showy and long lived) and New Guinea impatiens. The New Guineas will not stand any direct sun so you will need to place them accordingly. Most of these are pretty heavy feeders so every two weeks with a liquid plant food would be ideal.
Colleen Walpert
on Aug 14, 2015
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T5 grow light are the best and most inexpensive way to grow in darkest of places. Lots of places have them.
Lisa Gage
on Aug 14, 2015
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If you plant impatiens try digging a hole about 8-10 inched across and putting in 5-6 of the bedding plants together (instead of planting each stem as a single plant). This will allow them to mound nicely as the grow. I've also had great luck with buying the hanging baskets, which are full and lush, and removing the plant to put into the ground. They love shade and look great.
Deb
on Aug 14, 2015
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Thanks Deb but you see I don't have any soil available. The back of my semi-basement apartment is a parking lot. Merci
Mona
on Aug 14, 2015
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I think you may be surprised to find that you can grow a range of plants with just afternoon light. I'd suggest morning glory as a vine, but depending on how much sun you get, they may wilt. If you visit my blog there is a section under the header called "More Gardens". Check out the small gardens there for some inspiration.There is also a post on tips for container gardens: http://threedogsinagarden.blogspot.ca/2014/05/container-planting-interview-with.html.
Three Dogs in a Garden
on Aug 16, 2015
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